Interview

Could you please introduce yourself briefly in 2-3 sentences, your function and how you came to it (short biography).

I have been with Skyguide since 2005 in various roles, leveraging on my ATCO licence. Prior to this, I helped people with health problems (all kinds) find employment. This was supported by my Masters in social and educational sciences. Inclusion and Diversity (and the importance of a psychological safe space for it to flourish) are very dear to my heart. I have been supporting the I&D initiative for the past 5 or 6 years and when the previous head retired, I took over the role. I see I&D as a cultural change. This lines up very nicely with my other role of transition manager where I am looking at the changes that new technologies bring to skills and competencies required in Air Traffic Management.

Why did you choose to embrace the position of I&D at Skyguide?

Inclusion and Diversity is in my genes. I come from a very international background and have lived on 3 continents during my childhood. I have seen too much discrimination based on gender, race, sexual preferences or gender identity. Inclusion and Diversity is a means for me to live my core values of inclusiveness and acceptance of all, taking them for who they are and what they can bring, their added value, and their contribution to the intricacy of life’s tapestry.

Generally, and more specifically at Skyguide, why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

International Women’s’ Day has historical roots that are valid even today. Women are under-represented in many organisations and companies. Skyguide is no exception. International Women’s Day is one day where we can celebrate the essence of being an authentic woman in the workplace. It is also the chance to raise awareness that we still have a long way to go, even only on gender inclusion and diversity. It is the occasion to start conversation about what we can do to change the imbalance and make our workplace and environment truly inclusive and diverse.

At a company level, who do you feel is responsible for taking action on women’s issues?

Everyone. Although I would not talk about issues. A woman does not have more or less issues than a man. Let’s not make the woman the “problem” and try to fix her. I truly believe that each and every employee from the bottom to the top has a role to play in ensuring that the environment within which we work is truly inclusive, irrespective of gender and also of age, ethnicity, culture or any other identifiers.

If you could have dinner with an inspirational woman, dead or alive, who would she be and why?

There are so many, and yet so few. But I think most importantly is my grandmother who was the first South African woman to receive a university degree and my mother, who has been an inspiration to me as a mother and in her work researching in quantum physics.